Two new Virginia State Parks campgrounds

If Virginia is the, "Mother of Presidents," then her sons must love horses. The state's Parks Department has just opened two new campgrounds, both with a focus on horse-loving campers.

Douthat State Park, which opened June 15, 1936, as one of Virginia’s original six state parks rolled open the gates April 1 on two construction and renovation projects. One of them converted the Beaver Dam Campground into an equestrian camping area and built the new 23-site Whispering Pines Campground.

Whispering Pines Campground offers 23 sites, including a universally accessible handicap site, dump stations, water and electric hookups, RV sites up to 50 feet and a bathhouse with showers. On a slightly smaller scale, the Beaver Dam Equestrian Campground boasts 14 campsites and 14 horse stalls, as well as a bathhouse. Renovations to the campground allow for larger trailers.

"Equestrian camping is extremely important to a growing number of our visitors," said State Parks Director Joe Elton. "With the development of bridle trails through the national forest, the proximity to the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington and private riding trails at the Homestead in Bath County, equestrian camping facilities are in great demand. We're delighted to provide this new campground to this important group of visitors."

Stashed away in the Allegheny Mountains, Douthat State Park is on the National Register of Historic Places and was named one of the nation’s 10 best by the Outside Family Vacation Guide. The park features outstanding scenery as well as a 50-acre lake offering swimming, boating and seasonal trout fishing.

For more information about state park activities and amenities, or to make reservations in one of the 25 parks with camping or 20 parks with cabins or family lodges, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800.933.PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.